Sunday, 28 April 2013

As promised- back with No.4 in the Jazz Funk Series and after Thursday's mix the dance driven theme continues in anticipation of our 4th birthday on Weds 1st May.

Begins with violinist Michael White, an instrumental gem from Steve Marshall, some 80's Britfunk from Freeez, a Pieces of a Dream cut featured in a Spike Lee film, Quasimodo covers a Johnny Hammond jazz-funk anthem, Wayne Henderson gives us his version of the Chico Hamilton nugget, followed by the man Chico himself, and ends with our poster boy George Duke in a mellow mood.

I'll catch you next week after Mr S carries on the birthday celebrations.

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Caught up with an old school mate last week after nearly 30 years and he's now heavily into his 60's scooter culture! So as a thank-you for the invite to his next North London Scooterfest here's a big serving of 60's and Northern Soul goodies - 60's Soul 17.

Kicks off with one time James Brown side man- Hank Ballard, then features cover-man Brenton Woods, Stax man Darrell Banks, Little Stevie Wonder, The CODs version of a tune made popular by Geno Washington in the UK, and 5 more very old soul numbers.

Back in Jazz Funk mode next week. And finally 'big props' to the UK's annual Record Store Day today- one for all us vinyl heads to get behind.

GrizzHank Ballard- With your sweet lovin self
Karmello Brooks- Tell me baby
The Fantastic Four- Live up to what she thinks
Brenton Wood- Best thing I ever had
Sherri Taylor- He’s the one that rings my bell
Darrell Banks- Open the door to your heart
Little Stevie Wonder- Square
The CODs - Michael (the lover)
Amanda Love- You keep calling me by her name
Pee Wee Crayton- I love you so

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

OK. I lied. I said last week that we would have a K-Tel mix this week, but I couldn't sit on a Street Sounds Mix with this much quality on it.

First off, the man who we've had tidbits of on other peoples tunes for the last few years, but no single or LP proper for the last 7. Yes, its been 7 years since Omar's last LP, but if his new tune "The Man" is anything to go by, its been worth the wait. An absolute barnstormer of a tune, featured here.

Then there's the return of Zo! with the first leak off his forthcoming LP featuring Sy Smith called "The Train"; Louie Vega's Elements of Life released a double LP last week, and there's a tune from there; The Brand New Heavie's return too and "Sunlight" is the first release.

Sunday, 14 April 2013

When we started this blog in 2009 I'm not sure we expected to still be digging deep in our dusty collections or sharing our hard sought finds but thanks to your continued support and downloads from the site, here we are 4 years later. Mr S is in the 100's with his Upfront mixes and here's Volume 50 of goodies from my rare groove boxes- Soul Niceness 50.

Crammed full of soul cream we start off with a cut from 'Mellow Mellow' man Lowrell, followed by a hidden corker from Donny Hathaway, Latin giant Joe Bataan features, Aretha injects some class, Som Tres cover Jorge Ben, and a dancer from Ramsey Lewis plus more!

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

You may have seen the Tweet we sent out a few weeks back with the link to the new KING track, "In the Meantime" which features on this weeks mix. Waiting for the LP with anticipation! Then there's the return of India.Arie with "Cocoa Butter", a return to form IMO; There's music from newer female artists like Anushka, Ego Ella May and a real 90's sounding track from Kiara Ravae.

OK......so its not all girls. There's one or two fella's hanging about in the shape of a great new Freddie Joachim track and a real 80's stepper groove from a band called Tuxedo that im feeling at the moment.

Enjoy the new music, ill be back after Grizz with a K-Tel mix for you.

Sunday, 7 April 2013

This is the fourth 'Uplifting' mix I've done over the years and over that time things don't seem to be improving that much. As someone once said- I suppose we'll just have to learn to dance in the rain rather than wait for the storm to pass.

10 more soulful tracks with a positive message here to put some hope in your heart and a spring in your step! Includes a couple of gospel influenced tunes from Gladys McFadden and Rev. C Coleman, Gil Scott Heron and Jackie Wilson try to spread positive vibes, the original 1972 Michael White tune covered by Build an Ark, and that perfect cut for a summers day from Sly Stone... plus 4 more uplifting gems.

More Soul Niceness from me next weekend after Mr S brings us all back to the future.

Grizz

http://www33.zippyshare.com/v/68945570/file.htmlBobby Jones New Life- There’s hope for this world
Lenny Williams- Keep on keeping on
Frazelle- Today is the day
Gladys McFadden & the Loving Sisters- Never gonna turn around
Gil Scott Heron- Better days ahead
Michael White- The blessing song
Brook Benton- Life has its little ups and downs
Rev, C Coleman- Share it
Sly Stone- Hot fun in the Summertime
Jackie Wilson- Beautiful Day

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Some popular and sought after tunes here, ranging from a Roy Ayres produced Rare Groove classic, A classic from the Mtume/Lucas stable, the much missed Curtis Hairston with a BB&Q sounding joint (A band in which he contributed), and more from Giorge Pettus, The Jones Girls, Angela Boffil and more.

Enjoy this trip back, and ill be spoiling you again next week with ANOTHER upfront Street Sounds Sessions.